Sharing memories
Dr. Kristina Brockmeier
Dr. Kristina Brockmeier, our beloved friend, colleague and mentor, passed away on Tuesday, October 14, 2009. She served as the Head and Upper School Librarian of Providence Day School for the past 13 years.
We invite everyone to share their memories of Dr. Brockmeier.
Click on the comment link below to share with thoughts, stories and remembrances of our beloved Dr. Brockmeier.
October 16th, 2009 at 9:35 am
Dear Lance, Nick, Scott, and Kristina’s family,
My sincere sympathy for the loss of your beloved Kristina. I had the pleasure of joining PDS the same year she did and have enjoyed every minute of her infectious laugh and her zest for life. I am thinking of you as you mourn her, and I will pray for peace for you. It has been an honor knowing someone so positive, fun, and happy! She was the kind of person who lit up a room, as well as one who you could hear before you saw, since her laugh gave her away. We will all miss her terribly.
My deepest sympathies,
Georgette LePage
October 16th, 2009 at 9:35 am
Our deepest condolences to the family of Dr. Brockmeier. The first time she graced by presence was during a Maersk Family Day event. She carried such a lovely and cheerful spirit which I have never forgetten. Reading all the nice comments about her, I am convinced she was and will always be an angel.
We will continue to pray for the family.
With deepest sympathy – Shawna Hargett & family
October 16th, 2009 at 9:26 am
To the Brockmeier Family,
Our thoughts and prayers are with you. Kris was a wonderful, intelligent and fun lady who truly cared about the students at PDS. We’re thankful that Colby got to know her while he was there. May God bless and comfort you now and always.
October 16th, 2009 at 9:22 am
Lance
May knowing you are in the hearts and thoughts of so many help you and your family through this time of sorrow.
With Sincerest Sympathy,
Maria Batista
October 16th, 2009 at 8:57 am
Lance
My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family at this time. May you all be comforted with fond memories of this great lady. I never had the opportunity to meet your wife but reading the comments of others she was a blessing to many. God’s peace be with you.
October 16th, 2009 at 8:53 am
That infectious laugh will be sorely missed. What a great friend to everyone. If there was anyone who knew everyone on campus, it was Kris. And not only names; she seemed to know something about most everyone. Whenever I chaperoned a trip with Kris, I always felt a sense of comfort and joy, knowing there would be lots of laughing. I know Kris made the students feel comfortable as well; she was a mother figure to many of the students. Lance, Nick, and Scott, we will be thinking of you.
October 16th, 2009 at 8:43 am
Kris was such a wonderful person and cared so much for everyone around her. I will never forget how much it meant to me when she took the time to call to see how things were going for my oldest son after he left PDS. She wanted me to be sure to tell him that she was thinking about him and to tell me what a great person he is. With all the people that cross her path, it meant so much to me that she would be thinking about him, but especially that she would make the time to touch both me and my son by making sure that we knew that. She was always such an uplifting person to be around. Her concern for others was so genuine and she always had something thoughtful and kind to say.
I am keeping Lance, Nick and Scott in my prayers. My prayer is that they are surrounded by God’s comfort and peace as they work through this very difficult loss. Karen Love
October 16th, 2009 at 8:42 am
Lance, Even though I did not know Kris or the family, just knowing you for so many years and reading all the beautiful things everyone has to say, you were blessed with an angel and she will now look upon us each and everyday. Our condolences go to both you and your family.
Our deepest sympathy – Michelle & Henry Westbrook
October 16th, 2009 at 8:33 am
I was only at PDS for 2 years, but I have to say, of all the faculty I got to associate with as a student, nobody was more energetic and passionate with her role than Dr. Brockmeier. I always will respect how much effort she put into making the library more than just a venue. She was always pushing students to engage themselves and I will always appreciate that about her. Very personal, and one thing was for sure, she cared about every single student at our school. My prayer is that God comforts all of her family and friends in this moment.
October 16th, 2009 at 8:29 am
Lance and family, thinking about you.
October 16th, 2009 at 8:24 am
Kris,
I am going to miss hugging you. The kids have been pretty sad over the last few days…but for some odd reason it feels fitting that during Spirit Week that we would CELEBRATE your life. The service at school was maybe the best last minute memorial I have ever been a part of. You should have seen the Faculty and Staff flying around here getting stuff done. Ben and Eric spoke…VERY, VERY moving. Lots of pain on Wednesday that has transitioned to a sense of peace today. While we may still be a little broken, more stories are being told of your greatness and the gifts of love that you shared freely with all of us.
In her own little way, Maggie has even sensed her Daddy’s sadness. She hugged me the other day and gave me a pink feather that she sometimes carries around with her…a feather. Light, strong, soft, sleek, purposeful…produces flight. Kinda like you, Brock. You have flown up and away. God I miss you.
Your service is on Sunday and I am planning on getting to school early. You are going to have a sell out crowd. There will be many tears but I also hope that there will be more stories. I’ll have a hug for your boys too. And every Spirit Week from now on, I will raise my eyes up to heaven and smile at you looking down and protecting all of us.
Love and peace,
Patrick
October 16th, 2009 at 8:21 am
There’s a reason why Providence Day sent all of the new teaching candidates on a campus tour with Kristina; she makes everything about this school brighter. How could one not want to teach in a place like this after meeting her? I loved the way her face would turn bright red as she became excited while telling a story and her uncontrollable giggle as she greeted teachers, parents, and students at any sporting event. I will never forget the birth of “Doc Brock: Librarian Detective,” her alter ego–the crafty librarian who can unearth any lost book (she actually made the 7am meetings fun in that way!).
More than anything, I will always hold dear her magnetic smile and loving embrace. She serves as such an example of how to live. I feel so honored to have known her.
We will miss you, Doc Brock. All my love,
Erin
October 16th, 2009 at 8:12 am
I have told Kristina several times that I aspire to be a selfless, caring, and positive as she always was. She welcomed me wholeheartedly to PDS and I will always remember that.
October 16th, 2009 at 7:54 am
Lance,
Meredith and I wish to send you and your families our heartfelt sympathy.
Although I was never fortunate to have known your wife, I feel like I know her a little from all of the wonderful things I read about her. She was truly loved and respected by all who were fortunate to have shared life with her.
God bless you and be with you.
October 16th, 2009 at 7:40 am
My condolences to Lance and the Brockmeier family. Obviously from the many remembrances here Kristina was a loved and highly respected member of the school community and a great friend to many. I’ve known and worked with Lance for many years and his loss saddens me. May all Kristina’s friends and family remember the good times forever, and let today’s pain fade away.
October 16th, 2009 at 7:37 am
I didn’t know Dr. Brockmeier, instead I work with her husband Lance at Maersk and wanted to let the family know that my thoughts and prayers are with the them during this time of inexpressible loss. I’m sure Dr. Brockmeier will be greatly missed.
October 16th, 2009 at 7:21 am
PDS will just not be the same without Kristina. I remember talking to her about wanting to finish my undergraduate degree several years ago and not only was she an encouragement but she let me use the library for my weekly college study group meetings whenever I needed. When I needed help doing research for papers she dropped whatever she was doing to help me (and you have to remember I was not a PDS student but a colleague). When I graduated from Montreat College she was as proud of me as anyone of my family members. After I finished school she right away started recommending “enjoyable” reading material that was always good. Her kindness and willingness to help anyone will be greatly missed.
October 16th, 2009 at 1:59 am
Doc Brock knew everything, and if she didn’t know it, she knew exactly where to find it. She’s one of the reasons I made it through high school, and not just because she helped me navigate the library countless times (I truly don’t know how many password sheets she gave me over the years). She always listened to what I had to say, no matter what it was I was saying, and always knew just what to say in return. She went to all of my performances, and was genuinely excited about each and every one of my accomplishments. I will never forget her saying “How are ya, dear?” whenever I passed her in the hallways, and how her smile seemed infallible. She was such a joyous person that you couldn’t help but shine a little brighter after talking to her. I’ll miss her a lot, but I’m incredibly grateful that I had as much time with her as I did. She’ll fit right in with all of the angels in Heaven.
October 15th, 2009 at 10:07 pm
It was a pleasure to have known Dr. Kristina Brockmeier. Our family was blessed by each encounter we had with her over the past ten years. Be it in the PDS library, at a sporting event or at the YMCA, she always made time to stop, shake your hand and share a conversation. We enjoyed all the stories she shared. She always found a way to connect with people. Our hearts have been heavy since we learned of her illness. Her life was a wonderful testament and example to many. Her memory will continue to live forever. Our love, thoughts and condolences to Lance, Nick, Scott and everyone who knew and loved her! Sincerely, Ivan, Dionne, Tiffany, Lexi, CeCe, and I.J. Ferrette
October 15th, 2009 at 9:48 pm
I will always be grateful for the opportunities I had with Doc Broc. She had an infectiously bright outlook on life that made everyone happy once she had chatted and left you with a hug. I can’t remember not seeing her at any of the sports matches I played in. She truly cared about each and every student and always found you on campus to say something. I enjoyed my times in the library with her because she always gave me a tib-bit of her wisdom and knowledge and of course asked me if I had my pink sheet. Her spirit, enthusiasm and energy will no doubt be missed at Providence Day and also in everyone’s heart too. She has inspired me to continue with what I love and she has taught me to care about everyone and work throughout life to inspire others. Thank you Doctor Brockmeier and we love you!
October 15th, 2009 at 9:32 pm
Doc Brock was great! There aren’t many people in the world who you can count on to make you feel a little bit happier every time you talk to them. Her positive energy was infectious and I can feel it even now when I think about her.
October 15th, 2009 at 9:00 pm
I will always be grateful that I had the opportunity to work in the library for Kris. She inspired me to a better mother,wife ,friend, woman and human being. She took time for everyone ,every minute of every day without exception. Kris’s blue eyes sparkled with enthusiasm for life.I’m heartbroken that she is no longer with us but, I’ll always have her sparkle in my heart. Thank-You Kris .Love Dorothy
October 15th, 2009 at 8:47 pm
So many memories and I feel that I was so fortunate to have Kris in my life. I remember waiting to hear back from UVA to see if the boys Nick, Andy, and Brook got in. She would stop me daily and we would hug and reassure each other that no matter what it would be ok. Next came the graduation party where Kris did most of the arranging and let me and Leslie do the decorating (knowing thats what we loved to do). The night of the party she kept comig up to me and hugging me telling me “isn’t this great – I am so happy for these boys”! She was always there for our family and she kept close tabs on Ethan throughout high school. She made it a point not to miss one of his soccer games. She was an amazing lacrosse fan and she always knew each boys name. She had so much excitement that it was as if you had to get on board or else!! Perhaps what has really changed my life forever is our last visit with Kris at her house. Brook, Ethan, and I dropped in to see her. After a few hours of talking about us and not her she took off her wig and laughed. She truely felt comfortable with us and that warmed all of our souls. She had gotten good news that day and shared it with us. We all huged and left feeling like she had lifted us up. We have had a series of things happen in our family as of late and all I can think of is that if Kris could inspire me when she was ill – the very least I can do is learn from her and live to inspire others no matter what is going on in my life. She will forever be my personal inspiration and in my mind, she was definitely sent to our family from God. Lance you were blessed, Nick and Scott your mother was the best ever!! We love all of you !!
October 15th, 2009 at 8:41 pm
Kris was one of those special people that you can never forget. She had the unique ability to make everyone she met think that they were the most important person in her life. She treated all with equal care and love. It didn’t matter if you were faculty, staff, big man on campus or the smallest preKer, in her eyes all were her favorite. You could not spend any amount of time with Kris without being infected by her endless enthusiasm for all that life had to offer. She attacked every task and every project with an energy that if harnessed could light a city the size of Charlotte. In fact her inner beauty did just that. The world has lost one of its special people. We can only hope that her spirit will live on in the many lives she touched for the too short time that she lived among us. God speed, Kris. We miss you deeply already.
Lance, Nick, and Scott,
Our deepest sympathy to each of you.
Peter & Ann Kashatus
October 15th, 2009 at 8:37 pm
How can one person know everyone’s name? What a gift! Doc Brock had it, and so much more. She was one of those people who needed no introduction; a friend and colleague that you felt like you’d always had, and that was such a source of comfort in a hectic world. There was an instant connection that we all felt with her, and it was full of energy and electricity yet calm and soothing all at once. For me, as a graduate and current member of the faculty, there are shoes that just can’t be filled at Providence Day. Kris has joined that list, and I take comfort knowing that Gil and Betsy have some unbelievable company tonight. What a cast of characters we have waiting for us, and what a blessing that we had the amazing chance to call her our friend. My thoughts and prayers are with her family. Sincerely, Lee Tappy
October 15th, 2009 at 8:28 pm
The first time I met Kristina “Doc Brock” was at PDS football game last year. I was sitting there in the bleachers feeling kind of out of place being new to Charlotte and a new teacher to PDS. In the instant that Kristina came over to me, she made all of those insecurities vanish. She introduced herself and sat down right next to me and proceeded to ask me all kinds of questions about how I was liking Charlotte and PDS so far. I remember that during the time we were talking, several people came up to say hello and talk to her. I just remember thinking how sweet I thought she was because she seemed so genuinely excited by each and every person that came over. As excited as she was to see and talk to everyone, she always remembered right where we left off in conversation and I was so impressed by that. She even continued to introduce me to new people in a way that a friend for years would do. I left the game that night feeling so positively about the kind of people that I work with at PDS. Everyone knows that there was just something extra-special about Kristina.
Although I didn’t know her that well, the other thing that I saw so clearly in her was how much she loved her family. I’ll never forget the joy with which she spoke about the time she was able to spend with her kids and her husband over the last winter break. To her kids and her husband, everyone could see how much she loved you.
We all love her and we’ll miss her so much. I’m so glad that I was able to know her, even for just a short time.
October 15th, 2009 at 8:06 pm
Lance, my deepest sympathies to you and yours during this very difficult time. May God’s love comfort you, Nick and Scott.
In Sympathy,
Terry Glesias & Family
October 15th, 2009 at 7:36 pm
I feel so blessed to have known Kris and hope that I will become a better person by reminding myself of the wonderful characteristics that she possessed. She was truly a remarkable woman that will be missed greatly.
Blessings,
Saundra Russ
October 15th, 2009 at 6:47 pm
The world is a sadder place without Kris Brockmeier in it. I had so much admiration for her. She was so bright, so up-beat, and so together. Unfailingly cheerful and competent. She invited me and my son to ski with her and her family when we were all on the PDS ski trip to Austria, something I greatly appreciated since I didn’t really know that many of the parents that came on the trip and was nervous about my ski- ing. It is funny how little things like that you do for people can really mean so much. In the PDS library she set the tone, and it seemed to me that it was a very positive place to work. Certainly, volunteering there has been a very positive experience for me. Thank you God for letting us have Kris for a while.
October 15th, 2009 at 6:28 pm
Lance, Nick and Scott~
My heart, thoughts and prayers are with you all right now. Please know, as you can see by the blogs beginning to pile up, that your wife/mother was ‘one-of-a kind’! She will live in our hearts forever as the most spirited, upbeat, contagiously happy person. I giggle when I think of Ted Dickson’s remark of her being the ‘anti-librarian’ as she was loud, boisterous, outgoing and a librarian who wouldn’t let you leave her ‘turf’ without a hug, smile and/or a ‘how ya doing?’~ Kris: you will be missed, but what you left us all with is immeasuarable!Love Kristi
October 15th, 2009 at 6:16 pm
I will always remember Kris’ positive, caring spirit. She was such an upbeat happy person even when things weren’t going great. When I had some family struggles, she was always quick to give a hug and ask how things were going. I loved eating lunch with Kris and watching her pull out all of her containers and eat one bite from each one! The last meal I was lucky enough to eat with Kris was in August. I will never forget how much fun we had and how much we laughed. Love leaves behind more than death takes away- and Kris leaves so much love behind for all of us. Kris, I love you and will miss you dearly.
October 15th, 2009 at 6:10 pm
Kris was the brightest spot at Providence Day. We started at PDS around the same time, and I always looked forward to standing behind her as we processed into graduation ceremonies each year. She was my buddy and so supportive through my two pregnancies. She listened to me when I struggled with leaving my little ones to return to work. She was an inspiration to me, and my time in the library was often a time to take in Kris’s wisdom. She made everyone feel special, and her enthusiasm for life can not be matched. I can’t think of a more wonderful person who just knew what to value in life. Wonderful Kris, you will be with us, always. Love, Laura
October 15th, 2009 at 5:47 pm
Lance,
Your friends and colleagues at Maersk hold you in very high regard. The peaceful cheerful spirit that follows you as you move about the office has seen us through some very difficult times. After reading the wonderful comments and reflections of your Kristina, I now know that we all owe that comfort and joy we see in you every day to the wonderful loving home life you share with your family.
It is truely a blessing to me to have learned about the grace and humility of Kristina Brockmier from reading the kind words from those that knew her. Please find comfort in knowing that she touched my heart by being the great woman behind the man that we all admire so much.
I pray that God gives you and your family courage and strength to continue to grow in ways that will make Kristina proud. Be blessed and encouraged. My thoughts and prayers are with you always.
October 15th, 2009 at 5:16 pm
We are all blessed that Dr. Brockmeier has been part of our lives at Providence Day. Her wonderful smile and positive attitude will be forever in our memories.
October 15th, 2009 at 5:15 pm
Lance,
I am truely sorry to hear about the loss of your wife. From reading the comments I see she was an extremely great person. My thoughts and prayers go out to you and your family.
Psalms 119:28
Deepest Regards,
October 15th, 2009 at 4:35 pm
Lance: Words cannot convey the sorrow that your colleagues at Maersk feel for you, Scott, Nick and Kristina’s other family members at this time. In reading the words left by Kristina’s friends and colleagues, I feel as if I knew her. I leave this site feeling a bit uplifted and rejoiceful from her effect on everyone. What a great Lady!
Deepest regards,
October 15th, 2009 at 4:30 pm
Lance,
We are very sad to hear about the loss of your wife. May God give you peace that surpasses all understanding during this difficult time. You and your family are in our prayers.
Sincerely,
Deborah, Zakiya and Liana
October 15th, 2009 at 4:30 pm
As soon as I joined the PDS faculty, Kris “found” me. As a math teacher, I don’t use the library much, but Kris introduced herself to me right away and always made me feel like her special friend when I would pass her in the hallway or sit near her at the lunch table. When Kris talked with me, she had the ability to make me feel like I was the most important person in the universe.
Last fall, my younger son Michael was in 7th grade and unbeknownst to me he was going to the library every morning before school and finding a quiet spot to organize himself and his notebook. Kris noticed this and made a point of befriending him and making him feel welcome each morning. Kris shared this with me at lunch one day, and I was so glad to know that he had a quiet, pleasant way to start his day.
Kris made all of us feel special, and I will miss that so much. To honor her, I am making a commitment to push myself out of my comfort zone and to be especially welcoming to all new faculty.
October 15th, 2009 at 4:10 pm
Lance, We were so sad about the loss of your Kris. The comments from folks she had recently met as well as those who had known her for years exemplify her personality and demeanor and the mark she left on so many – We should all strive to leave such a legacy. I am only sorry that our paths crossed only briefly while we were at SeaLand. My heart is with you and the children and I pray for your strength. Jackie
October 15th, 2009 at 3:51 pm
Lance: Our thoughts are with you and your family in this very trying time.
October 15th, 2009 at 3:05 pm
I will always remember the “super fan” Doc Brock. When I came down here to interview I spent some time getting a tour of campus with Kristina. She was wonderful, a grat spokesperson for the school community. I will always remember her passion for the for PDS but mostly her passion for kids. Dr. Brockmeier you will be missed!
October 15th, 2009 at 2:15 pm
I can hardly begin to say how much Kristina will be missed. For me she was a source of energy. Kris was an engaged listener and wanted to know and relate to what you said to her. What a great friend! Every time I spoke with her I left the conversation with a brighter outlook. DocBrock always seemed so happy and I don’t think it was just because of her huge lunch sacks! I will always be grateful for her kind words, her caring kindness to both my children and my wife, and her visits to my house to laugh and joke and eat and drink and socialize. I had a cheerful conversation with her two weeks ago and she refused to talk about herself, only wanting to know about my daughter and her choices for college. What a thoughtful extrovert! She leaves quite a void in our daily school life. I’ll pray for her spirit to visit with us often.
October 15th, 2009 at 12:54 pm
Though I only knew Kris for a brief period of time, she made a huge impression on me from the first moment we met. When I was a candidate interviewing at PDS, Kris was one of those halo faces that I kept running into time and time again. I instantly felt at ease, welcomed, and comfortable with my surroundings when she was arround. Her intelligence and wit were remarkable, and she made you feel as if you had known each other for years. Such a vibrant angel will be sorely missed!
October 15th, 2009 at 12:36 pm
This is the only school that I have taught in where the librarian was such an integral figure in the school culture. Kristina didn’t just camp out in the library. She was an advisor, a chaperone, an assembly speaker, a campus tour guide, and so much more. She was a wonderful person who could make anyone feel like she had been missing their company, and she always had a smile that would brighten your day. This is a sad time for all who knew her, but I can’t help but feel even more sorry for those who never got the opportunity to know her. The climate of the campus will never be quite the same in her absence. Our thoughts are with Lance, Scott, and Nick. I know what a close family you are, and how much you will miss Kristina. Russell White
October 15th, 2009 at 11:40 am
Kris inspired passion for PDS. She was a very positive and enthusiastic role model for young
women at PDS. Her achievements her were many but her love of our children strikes me most at this sad time. She was a good friend to my daughter and me and she will always have a place in our hearts. God bless you Lance , Nick and Scott. Jan and Alexandra Henshaw
October 15th, 2009 at 11:17 am
I am very grateful to have known Kris in the way that I did. My first meeting with her was during my final year of graduate school and it was over the phone. She called me about the position of Middle School Librarian and what I remember most is how Kris stated that she did not mind training a brand new librarian for this position. When I met Kris face to face her smile and cheerful attitude was so welcoming. I will always remember her cheerfulness, outstanding memory, and her patience with me during my first few years. I often smile when I think of the way she used the word “delightful” to describe things that are just so outstanding in taste and experience : ) She is the ONLY person I know that uses that word so often and at the most appropriate times. I miss Kris very much but take comfort in knowing that I will see her again some day soon. My prayers are with all of her family but especially Lance, Nick and Scott. God Bless you all. Carla Edwards
October 15th, 2009 at 10:42 am
Kris was always so full of energy and a wonderful example to all that knew her. She always went out of her way to help, and always helped with a smile. Your family will be in our thoughts and prayers. Alice and Vanessa Sutthoff
October 15th, 2009 at 10:27 am
Knowing Kris was a blessing! Her positive, upbeat attitude influenced all who were fortunate enough to call her a colleague and friend. She leaves all of us with wonderful memories of her time with us. She will be sorely missed within the Providence Day community and beyond. Lance, Nick, and Scott…our thoughts and prayers are with you all. Bobbie Hinson
October 15th, 2009 at 10:21 am
I was just thinking of Brock’s unique ability to always make me feel like I had just been with her last week even tho I only saw her once or twice a year. Truly, a little fresh breath of life has left PDS and this earth. Don Hinson
October 15th, 2009 at 10:02 am
It was a pleasure to have known Dr. Brockmeier. I was always impressed with how much she cared about everyone that set foot on the PD campus. This was a lady who made it a point to know everyone’s name, students, parents, teachers, etc. My favorite moments were watching her at graduation, as she gave each graduate a HUGE Brockmeier smile and said hi to each of them, by name. That was very special.
She will surely be missed!